Cancer Research Nanotech-based sensor developed to measure microRNAs in blood, speed cancer detection:♦ Nondrug interventions improve quality of life for Chinese cancer patients

Study advances potential test to sort out precancerous pancreatic cysts from harmless ones In a 'look-back' analysis of data stored on 130 patients with pancreatic cysts, scientists have used gene-based tests and a fixed set of clinical criteria to more accurately distinguish precancerous cysts from those less likely to do harm.

Bone protein inhibits prostate cancer invasion. A secreted protein predominantly expressed in bone inhibits prostate cancer metastasis to bone, new research shows. Prostate cancer is the most frequently diagnosed cancer and the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths among men in the United States. If detected at early stages the prognosis is quite favorable; however, aggressive forms of metastatic prostate cancer spread primarily to the skeleton

Nondrug interventions improve quality of life for Chinese cancer patients A meta-analysis of dozens of studies of traditional Chinese medicine and other nonpharmacological interventions meant to improve patients' quality of life affirms that these approaches, on the whole, help alleviate depression, fatigue, pain, anxiety, insomnia and gastrointestinal problems in Chinese cancer patients

Nanotech-based sensor developed to measure microRNAs in blood, speed cancer detection A newly developed, simple, ultrasensitive microRNA sensor holds promise for the design of new diagnostic strategies and, potentially, for the prognosis and treatment of pancreatic and other cancers

1/28/15 Health News: TOXIN FEARS GROW ♦ Repair damage caused by osteoarthritis ♦ New Anti-microbial coatings ♦ Fatty acids shield brain from mercury damage

AS TOXIN FEARS GROW, MORE CHINESE ARE BUYING IMPORTED RICE

Despite being the number-one producer and consumer of rice in the world, more Chinese citizens are buying rice imported from Japan and elsewhere due to fears about heavy metals and other toxins, according to Reuters. While the amount of rice imported to China from Japan in 2014 is still extremely small, it was triple the .. Continue Reading

New 'microcapsules' have potential to repair damage caused by osteoarthritis

A new ‘microcapsule’ treatment delivery method could reduce inflammation in cartilage affected by osteoarthritis and reverse damage to tissue, scientists report. Continue Reading

Anti-microbial coatings with a long-term effect for surfaces

Hygienic conditions and sterile procedures are particularly important in hospitals, kitchens and sanitary facilities, air conditioning and ventilation systems, in food preparation and in the manufacture of packaging material. In these areas, bacteria and fungus  Continue Reading

Fatty acids in fish may shield brain from mercury damage

The benefits of fish consumption on prenatal development may offset the risks associated with mercury exposure.The new study suggests that the nutrients found in fish have properties that protect the brain from the potential toxic effects of the chemical. Continue Reading

Blood vessels in older brains break down, possibly leading to Alzheimer's

Researchers used high-resolution imaging of the living human brain to show for the first time that the brain's protective blood barrier becomes leaky with age, starting at the hippocampus, a critical learning and memory center that is damaged by Alzheimer's disease.Continue Reading

11/8/14 Health News: Chinese plants OK for poultry processing ♦ Bean sprouts linked to 2 listeria deaths ♦ Technology could help prevent HIV/AIDS transmission

FSIS APPROVES CHINESE PLANTS FOR POULTRY PROCESSING

Four Chinese poultry processing plants have been approved to export cooked chicken to the U.S. The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) has approved China’s export health certificate which demonstrates that poultry exported to the U.S. was raised and slaughtered in the U.S., Canada or Chile and that it was cooked... Continue Reading

RECALLED BEAN SPROUTS LINKED TO 2 LISTERIA DEATHS, 3 HOSPITALIZATIONS

Two people have died and three others have been hospitalized after eating Listeria-contaminated bean sprouts produced by Wholesome Soy Products of Chicago, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The victims became ill between June and August 2014, but this is the first announcement of the outbreak. It was detected retroactively using... Continue Reading

Novel nanofiber-based technology could help prevent HIV/AIDS transmission

Scientists have developed a novel topical microbicide loaded with hyaluronic acid nanofibers that could potentially prevent transmission of HIV through the vaginal mucosa continue reading  

The inside story: How the brain and skull stay together

Researchers have discovered a network of tissue communication that ensures that the brain and spinal cord are matched with the skull and spinal column, during embryonic development. Their discovery may have important implications for the understanding and treatment of congenital defects like Spina Bifida and Chiari malformations Continue Reading

Chinese Style Chicken Sausage Recalled Due to MSG

Wycen Foods Inc., a San Leandro, Calif., establishment is recalling approximately 809 pounds of Chinese style chicken sausages, a dried snack food, because they are misbranded and contain monosodium glutamate (MSG), which is not declared on the label, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today.

Individual “Chinese Style Chicken Sausage.”  is subject to recall.: The products were produced June 12, Aug. 14, Sept. 4, and Oct. 24, 2013 and were sold at a single San Francisco retail location. The products have a shelf life of one year. Some consumers may refrigerate, continue to air dry or freeze them.

The problem was discovered by FSIS during a label verification activity. The problem occurred when the company changed the product’s formulation to include MSG, but neglected to list the ingredient on the label.  

FSIS and the company have received no reports of adverse reactions due to consumption of these products. Anyone concerned about a reaction should contact a healthcare provider.

Media and consumers with questions about the recall should contact the company’s Chief Operating Officer, Cynthia Wong, at (510) 351-1988.